PSE&G Readies For Nor'easter

PSE&G Readies For Nor'easter
Additional crews and equipment on hand to restore service
PR Newswire
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 7, 2013
NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Public Service Electric and Gas
(PSE&G) Company, New Jersey's largest electric and gas utility, is closely
monitoring the track of the approaching nor'easter and is making emergency
preparations should the storm bring heavy snow and strong winds to our service
territory. At this time, the storm is expected to begin impacting New Jersey
on Friday and continue through Saturday, with the full brunt of the storm
hitting the area on Friday night.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120830/MM62627LOGO)
In anticipation of the storm, PSE&G is taking the following steps to ensure
that the utility is ready to respond to what may be widespread power outages:
oEnsuring that all available personnel are ready to respond beginning
Friday.
oArranging for contractors, including tree crews, to assist the utility's
own skilled workforce.
oEnsuring that additional supplies, such as poles, transformers and other
pole-top equipment, are on hand.
oEnsuring that all vehicles are fueled and ready to go.
oTesting generators at utility locations.
oCoordinating with county and municipal emergency management personnel to
inform them of outages and expedite restoration efforts.
Snow, by itself, does not pose a serious problem for utilities, but heavy
snow, icing and strong winds can increase the possibility of downed wires and
associated power outages. Cars striking utility poles can also cause wires to
come down. And cold weather can affect the number of calls we receive from
customers with insufficient or no heat.
Depending on the severity of the storm, response times for both electric and
gas emergency services may be longer than usual. PSE&G asks for our customers'
patience and cooperation as we work to safely restore service as quickly as
possible. As the storm gets closer, the utility will provide information about
estimated restoration times.
To report downed wires or power outages, customers should call PSE&G's
Customer Service line at 1-800-436-PSEG.PSE&G uses an automated system to
handle customer calls as efficiently as possible. Customers who get an
automated response when calling PSE&G are encouraged to use it, as it is
designed to route their calls to the right destination quickly. The system
also provides the option to speak directly to a customer service
representative. If you have specific information regarding damage to wires,
transformers or poles, we ask that you speak with a representative to provide
that information.
Customers with a handheld device, or who are at an alternate location with
power, can also report power outages and view the status of their outage by
logging in to My Account at pseg.com.
General outage activity throughout our service territory is available online
atwww.pseg.com/outagecenterand updates are posted on pseg.com during severe
weather.
In addition, if outages are widespread, the utility will activate its Twitter
page to keep the public informed about our restoration progress. Sign up as a
follower at http://twitter.com/psegdeliversto monitor restoration progress.
This storm clearly has the potential to interrupt service, and customers
should prepare for the possibility of long outages. PSE&G offers the following
tips:
DOWNED POWER LINES
Accumulation of ice and heavy snow may weigh down power lines and as a result
cause power lines to come down. Downed wires may appear dead but should always
be considered "live." STAY AWAY FROM ALL DOWNED LINES. Do not approach or
drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact
with. Parents are urged to check for downed wires in areas where their
children might play and to remind the children to stay far away from any
wires. If a wire falls on a vehicle, passengers should stay in the vehicle
until help arrives. To report a downed wire, call 1-800-436-PSEG and tell
PSE&G the nearest cross street.
CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-SUSTAINING EQUIPMENT
Individuals who rely on electricity to operate life-sustaining electronic
equipment, such as a respirator or dialysis machine, should pre-register with
PSE&G to receive priority attention in the event of an outage. To request the
service, call PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG. They should also inform their rescue
squads and fire departments of their needs, in case of emergency. Even though
customers with life-sustaining equipment who have registered with PSE&G will
receive priority attention during outages, they should also have emergency
back-up equipment on hand, since immediate restoration cannot be guaranteed.
IF YOU LOSE POWER
First check your neighborhood. If you are the only one without power, check
your fuse box for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. If that's not the
problem, look outside at the wire between your house and the utility pole. If
it is down, report it immediately to PSE&G.
GENERAL TIPS
Mother Nature can be unpredictable. It's wise to have an emergency kit on hand
year round. Here are some things to include:
oA battery powered radio.
oA corded telephone. (Cordless phones will not work if the power is out.)
oFlashlights and extra fresh batteries.
oA first-aid kit.
oBottled water and an adequate supply of non-perishable food.
oA non-electric can opener.
oMatches and candles with holders.
oExtra blankets and sleeping bags.
oA list of emergency phone numbers, including PSE&G's Customer Service
line: 1-800-436-PSEG. Call this number to report power outages or downed
wires.
Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey's oldest and
largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly
three-quarters of the state's population. PSE&G is the winner of the
ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a
subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG),
a diversified energy company (www.pseg.com).
Want to know what's new at PSEG? Go to www.pseg.com/getnewsand sign up to
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SOURCE Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G)
Website: http://www.pseg.com
Contact: Karen Johnson, +1-973-430-7734